Andrea Avery Ray began her theatrical journey over 30 years ago. She has competed as a performer at every level and in multiple capacities ranging from UIL, TFA, TAPPS, AACTFEST, and the silver screens of Hollywood. She is elated to add teaching artist and director for CYT DALLAS to her resume. Many moons ago, she had the honor of performing Mainstage at both the Texas State Thespian Festival and the International Thespian Festival in Monologue. During her time in LA, she worked with top casting executives at Fox, Warner Brothers, Disney, Nickelodeon, and Lifetime. She has since gone on to teach others in DFW the art of acting onscreen and onstage. Some of Andrea's favorite directing credits include Digging up Dessa, Descendants, Annie Jr, Cinderella, Little Women, The Humans, Dark Road, The Women of Lockerbie, The Wizard of Oz, Beauty & the Beast, and Blackout. She is also an advanced acting instructor for Fort Worth Actors Studio, a proud member of the Screen Actors Guild, a published author, and passionate about her role as an anti-trafficking advocate in the fight against modern day slavery. Andrea’s most notable screen credits are for her portrayal of Gabriella, one of the mean stepsisters, in Warner Brother’s A Cinderella Story; and as Linda Patterson, the overly excited trombone player, in Forest Whitaker’s film First Daughter. She is married with four children; loves Jesus, charcuterie boards, Mexican food, Route 44 Sonic drinks, sparkly things, and binge watching The Office. She believes all aspects of educational theatre offer lifelong benefits that continue to impact a person long after the curtain closes. Theatre skills are life skills! Andrea’s most crucial pieces of advice are to enjoy the journey, to tell the story truthfully, and to look at every opportunity as a new chance to learn and grow and GLORIFY THE LORD!